The Andrews Sisters started out very young to literally feed the family. The lead singer, Patty was only 7 years old when the group was formed. She was 12 when the won their first talent contest at a local theater in Minneapolis.
After their father’s restauratant failed, the girls when on the road to keep food on the family table.
The started their career in the 1930s as imitators of the famous Boswell Sisters, but soon hit their own stride.
They first sang in vaudeville and received national attention in 1937 with their rendition of “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön“
The girls made the big time before and during World War 2 and had hits on their own and as backup for Bing Crosby.
Their hits included “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree with any one else than me”
The Andrew Sisters were the most imitated of any singing ladies group and inspired many others.
